Best Outdoor Things to Do in Miami
A practical guide to getting outside in Miami—parks, paddling, trails, and natural escapes.
Miami is usually associated with beaches and nightlife, but the city has plenty of outdoor spaces that go beyond the stereotypes. From national parks just outside the city to urban greenways and coastal trails, there’s a surprising amount of variety if you want to spend time outside. Whether you prefer water activities, gardens, or long bike rides, here’s a breakdown of some of the best outdoor things to do in Miami.
Everglades National Park
Only a short drive from the city, the Everglades is one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States. It’s home to wildlife like alligators, manatees, and hundreds of bird species. Outdoor options include biking the Shark Valley loop, taking an airboat tour,, kayaking through mangroves, or taking a tram ride to get a better sense of the park’s scale. It’s less about manicured trails and more about raw nature—wetlands, wide skies, and open space.
Biscayne National Park
This park is almost entirely underwater, which makes it very different from the Everglades. It covers coral reefs, mangroves, and the Biscayne Bay. Activities include snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours. The Maritime Heritage Trail connects shipwrecks you can explore underwater. Since it’s a marine park, visiting usually requires joining a tour or renting a kayak/boat from nearby Homestead or the park’s visitor center.
Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park, combining water and land activities. The mangrove channels are great for kayaking or paddleboarding, while the trails are popular for mountain biking. There’s also a small sandy beach area, picnic tables, and rustic cabins you can rent. It’s a mix of outdoor recreation and calm green space that feels far removed from the busier parts of the city.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
At the southern end of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape is known for its historic lighthouse, which you can climb for panoramic views of the ocean and city. It’s also a good spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and picnics. The beaches here are quieter compared to South Beach, and the park has designated bike paths and walking trails shaded by coastal vegetation.
The Underline
Running under the Metrorail tracks, The Underline is Miami’s take on an urban trail project. Once fully completed, it will stretch 10.5 miles from Brickell to Dadeland South, but sections are already open. It combines walking and biking paths with art installations, fitness classes, and green space in a part of the city that used to be overlooked. It’s an easy way to explore Miami without relying on a car.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Located in Coral Gables, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre garden that focuses on tropical plants. It has walking trails, lakes, and exhibits ranging from rare orchids to butterfly habitats. Fairchild also hosts seasonal events like art shows and plant festivals. It’s not just for plant enthusiasts—it’s a relaxing space for walking, sitting, and taking in the green scenery.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Much smaller than Fairchild, this garden is in the middle of Miami Beach. It has koi ponds, bamboo groves, and themed areas like the Japanese garden. Because it’s compact, it’s easy to visit in an hour or so. The garden also organizes cultural events and small workshops, which gives it a community feel.
Miami Beaches
It’s hard to talk about Miami outdoors without mentioning its beaches. South Beach is the most famous, but it’s also the most crowded. If you want something different, check out:
- North Beach: Quieter and more residential, with a laid-back vibe.
- Crandon Park (Key Biscayne): A wide beach with calmer waters, family-friendly facilities, and nature trails.
- Sunny Isles Beach: Located north of Miami Beach, it has clear water and less of the party atmosphere.
Beach days here are about more than sunbathing—you can also try paddleboarding, jet skiing, or just long walks along the shoreline.
Relax at Key Biscayne
Just a short drive from downtown, Key Biscayne, a barrier island connected to Miami via a causeway, offers quieter beaches compared to Miami Beach. Crandon Park is a 808-acre urban park includes two miles of beach, picnic areas, a nature center, family amusement options, tennis, and a golf course. Plus, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center offers interpretive exhibits ideal for curious kids.
Water Activities
Miami’s location between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic makes water activities easy to find. Popular options include:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding in Coconut Grove or Virginia Key – calm water and city views.
- Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park – exploring reefs and marine life.
- Boat tours around Miami’s islands – a mix of skyline views and access to smaller, less crowded sandbars.
Miami is more than nightlife and beaches—it has national parks, state parks, long-distance trails, and plenty of green spaces tucked between urban neighborhoods. Whether you want to kayak through mangroves, bike along a former rail line, or just spend a quiet afternoon in a garden, there are plenty of ways to get outside.
Are you ready to start discovering Miami?
Check some of the best tours below to make the best of your trip!
Are you ready to start discovering Miami?
Check some of the best tours below to make the best of your trip!
